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Don't eat the dolphin

Gaza fishermen catch a dolphin – and people are NOT happy

A dolphin caught in fishing nets off Khan Yunis in Gaza has ignited controversy as residents consider consuming it despite warnings from experts about health risks.  

Gila Isaacson
Gila Isaacson
3 min read
Gaza man catches a dolphin

A striped Stenella dolphin caught off the coast of Al-Qarara in Khan Yunis, central Gaza Strip, has sparked debate over food safety and fishing practices amid the ongoing crisis.

The incident occurred when the marine mammal became entangled in fishing nets near the southern shores.

But how did they catch it during strict military restrictions on fishing activities in Gaza waters?

Initial reports from Israeli media suggest that the dolphin may have washed ashore as a carcass, but some local sources claim it was actively caught by residents.

Local residents proudly shared news of the capture: While some fishermen claim the capture was accidental, the intention to consume the dolphin has raised serious concerns among marine experts and local fishing communities.

Striped Stenella dolphins are deep-water creatures rarely seen near coastlines. Marine biologists note these dolphins are typically found in Mediterranean waters far from shore, with only occasional sightings near the Israeli coast since 1994.

Marine life experts have emphasized that dolphin hunting in Palestinian territorial waters not only threatens marine biodiversity but could also pose health risks to consumers. They are calling for stronger legislation to protect marine life and prevent illegal fishing practices, particularly during these challenging times when Gazans claim that food security is a critical issue.

The incident has divided local opinion, with some viewing it as a necessary food source during the current crisis, while others point to both traditional fishing practices and international conservation standards that discourage dolphin hunting. Several fishermen from the area have spoken out, stressing that dolphin catches are typically accidental and that the meat is not traditionally part of the local diet.

Since 1994, only isolated specimens of striped Stenella dolphins have been spotted near Israel's coastline.

The Israel Nature and Parks Authority reports that occasionally sick dolphins do reach the shore, but due to their highly sensitive nature, saving their lives is usually not possible.

Local marine conservation groups have noted that such incidents have become more frequent in recent months, as traditional fishing zones have become more restricted and some claim that food scarcity has increased. They emphasize that dolphins play a vital role in maintaining the health of marine ecosystems along the Gaza coast, and their protection is vital for the long-term sustainability of local fishing industries.

The groups are working to educate local communities about marine conservation while acknowledging the complex challenges faced by Gaza's fishing community.

According to various news sources, Gazan residents cooked and ate the dolphin.

Ynet and Kikar HaShabbat contributed to this article.


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